The Akili Trust
Dabaso Library Association
Quarterly report number 31
Date of report: July 1, 2013
To cover the period; April, May and June 2013
Part one:
Intro and greetings;
From the sandy footpaths to the patches of green fields of Dabaso Primary School - where Dabaso
Community Library is housed – there is a blessing and a curse.
Blessed because the library stands very iconic in this very compound and unperturbed by the
ongoing teachers’ strike and cursed due to the strike that has paralysed learning in public schools.
It’s very sad to note that no solution has been reached to end the strike and therefore our library has
had to capitalise on the same. Why capitalise anyway? During this period, the number of library
users has fluctuated. Apart from the regular frequenters, who are in this case mainly community
folks and members from the host primary school, there are many newcomers sourcing from the
library.
Here at the library, we have a quest. Our quest is to make sure we have satisfied those in need of
library materials. We understand for example that the teachers’ strike is on and negotiations are on
too. It is a very difficult moment for candidates, their parents and sympathisers. Hopefully, a verdict
will be reached in the near future.
The people of Dabaso are very sincere. In spite of the ups and downs, they spend a few minutes to
ask us at the library to say hi to you. Hoping you are well and planning your next trip to Kenya.
Readers’ information:
Figures of library users during the quarter;
Dabaso primary school pupils; 4680
Daily average; 60
Dabaso primary school teachers; 780
Daily average; 10
Canon Mweri secondary school pupils; 963
Daily average; 12
Canon Mweri secondary school teachers; 156
Daily average; 2
Other outsiders; 3900
Daily average; 50
Users altogether; 10479
Daily average; 134
Reasons why the figures in 1, 2, 3 and 4 above fell:
In the last weeks of June, teachers in Kenya went for a nationwide strike that paralysed learning in
public schools. This strike has gone a long way to explain the big fall of the above figures. In a show
of solidarity, all teachers have to stay away from these institutions until their grievances are heard.
Low pay is the main objective teachers frequently call on strikes. As a result, some of the students
from the upper primary opt to walk to the library since most of them come from within. Those who
locate from faraway either walk or cycle.
The number of outsiders has steadied to a high since many people come on daily basis. They either
access the dailies or library materials in different forms. The feeling is that until teachers are back,
the library will continue to bolster and provide the proper avenue for information seekers.
Books information:
The second quarter of 2013 has brought to it many things ranging from unpredictable weather
conditions to the mass strikes and demos by civil servants. The newly sworn in Jubilee government
has a lot to achieve but most importantly, a solution to end the frequent and prolonged mass actions
plunging the land.
Library materials usage is high, high through the ceiling and up to the sky – the limit point. The way
the African literature is highly on demand like hot cakes is the same way there is a need for other
reference materials. On this day when teachers are protesting, even the course books are
continually asked for. To limit the description of the above materials only is to be selfish. There are
vast areas clocking high marks too. For instance, the newspapers and periodical magazines have
been on demand as usual. The newspapers this time, apart from the daily dose, folks follow events
e.g. updates on the ongoing strike, other socio-political issues and the news on the ailing South
African Icon – Nelson Mandela. The library area has turned to a study complex. Why? From the
outside study shades to the giant makuti shelter, about 30Ms from the library, a mass of readers sits
in either solitude or stick together in discussion, not to mention those who use the inner section. It
provides a lovely feeling straight to the core.
Pictorial illustration:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a:) Dabaso primary school pupils using the main library hall, (b): Readers using the outside shades,
(c): Pupils searching for library materials and (d): Readers using the giant makuti shelter.
Use of computers:
Computer knowledge can never be despised. That’s why at Dabaso library, we try to make this
achievable as well as a priority. During the second quarter of 2013, the use of computers was
encouraged. For example, people were guided to do online research which has in turn led to
independence and self reliance. Further, computer classes have also been on as expected with
numbers adding on regular basis. It is worth to also note that we are now preparing certificates for
those who have satisfactorily completed their courses. As a matter of fact, we had to quickly issue a
certificate to a student who had been called for an interview at Turtle Bay - Watamu. This has really
given us a base on where we can start from and we know exactly what to include to make the
certificates professionally attracting and workable.
In our last report, we briefly touched on some bad occurrences that had taken course and are
affiliated to our library. We talked about the death of one of the computer student and the Dot
Kenya facilitator’s involvement in a road accident. It’s worth therefore to report on the situation so
far on the ground. The Dot Kenya teacher is fully recovered now and is due to report back to work in
the next few moths. Fred personally met this man and was able to collect the certificates for all the
participants of the Dot Kenya workshop project that took place at Dabaso library. About the demised
student, we were able to send Cornelius to represent the Akili family at the funeral.
Pictorial illustration:
(a)
(b)
(a) and (b): Library users in the computer room.
Interaction with readers:
A move dubbed saving the class eights;
Trying to put the above motto into a realistic state, we at the library have been able to meet the
standard eight to administer talks on how they can better the use of the facility. The class eight at
Dabaso primary has four streams and we had to plan a session for each. We conducted the talks in
the library. The move was driven by the fact that many students from the upper primary spent a lot
of time idling after class hours. Better still, it was important to share academic ideas and goals, plus
revealing to them the importance of Akili Trust, including probable benefits to the best performers
at the national examinations. Quite an encouragement. This move was done immediately before the
teachers’ strike but we thank God that it attracted many students to it like bees to a hive.
Some of the ideas discussed:
They include;
1. That the candidates doing well at the national exams may win chances to be sponsored by
the Akili Trust,
2. Stressing on the need to greatly focus on education as it was the only way out to realising a
better future,
3. That the library may at some point start some point begin social clubs with the candidates
e.g. clubs on writing competitions, debating, etc.
NB: In order to qualify for the above three, we advised the candidates to maintain high standards of
discipline
Pictorial illustration:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a): Fred lecturing the Dabaso primary standard eight pupils in the library, (b): A student taking part
in the lecture, (c): Students paying attention during the lecture.
Bursary students’ updates:
Form ones;
The form one students are four namely;
1.
2.
3.
4.
Kopi Omar – St. Georges High School
Menza Baraka – Malindi High School
Shindo Harriet Nema – Kakoneni Girls Secondary School
Lewa Nema Becky – Kakoneni Girls Secondary School
Form twos;
They are three namely;
1. Masha Samuel – Kilifi Township Secondary School
2. Khadija Ali – Ngala Girls Secondary School
3. Leah Nixon – St John’s Secondary School
Form threes;
They are two namely;
1. Baraka Kazungu – Canon Mweri Secondary School
2. Nzai Celestine – Moi Girls Secondary School
Form fours;
They are two namely;
1. David Kalama – Voi Secondary School
2. Rukia Alex – Ngala Girls Secondary School
Students’ notes;
In our last report, we indicated that the form ones’ results were prepared late by the schools
because all form ones reported late to their new schools due to the general elections. Therefore, we
made a pledge to report this as soon as we received them.
We are very happy now. Happy because we received the results in time for this report and they are
very pleasing so to speak. The students in form one did exceptionally well. Congratulations! I hope
that they can keep the fire burning.
With an exception of the Malindi High student, who attained a little below the average when he was
not feeling too well at the exam time, we are still convinced that it is just the beginning. He has the
potential and he can do well in the next exams.
From form two to four, the students have tried hard to attain good grades. They have mostly
performed above average which is really very encouraging.
It is also worth to note that the form fours are doing their last exams by the end of this year. All the
sponsored students are in government secondary schools. Many of these schools are off due to the
ongoing strike and the government is slow to address the key issues to end it. Therefore, some of
these students are back home.
The form fours for instance are attached to their schools as this is a critical time for them. However,
no formal learning is going on in these schools apart from doing revision. We at the library wish our
form fours the very best of luck!
Pictorial illustration:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a): A group photo of all the bursary students, (b): Rukia and David both in form four, (c): Baraka and
Celestine form three, (d): Khadija, Masha and Lea form two, (e): Harriet, Becky, Omar and Baraka
form one.
Staff news:
Both Cornelius and Fred are still going on with studies at Blue Waters in Malindi. The classes are
conducted in the evenings.
Cornelius intends to take his annual leave in August 2013 while Fred eyes a December leave.
Special feature:
In May 2013, Fred travelled to Moi Girls - Eldoret. There was a fee balance issue at Celestine’s school
that needed sorting out. When he travelled, he was able to raise the issue with the school who later
fixed the problem.
Part two:
Financial reporting;
It is worth to note that there are fundamental changes that have taken place since the introduction
of the annual budget. You will realise that in one quarter for example, we used to receive Kes 24000.
This money was sent in three equal phases of Kes 8000 per month. However, we received money for
April and May, amounting to Kes 16000. This is what we have accounted for in the meantime. The
other amount we can talk about is the annual budget. Well, when this money was sent, it was usable
towards the end of June. This is because the signatories had to apply for cheque books, and there
was a whole week’s wait for them to be prepared. The initial figure was Kes 50000. The budget
breakdown of this will follow after the April and May finance report.
April and May report:
Income:
Source
Akili Trust
Readers’ registration
Total
April
8000
100
8100
May
8000
Total
16000
100
16100
May
1150
2500
840
1400
1200
900
7990
Total
2250
5000
1050
3300
2600
1900
16100
8000
Expenditure:
April
Newspapers
1100
Internet
2500
Books
210
Transport
1900
Post/Phone
1400
Miscellaneous 1000
Total
8110
Miscellaneous breakdown:
Newspaper supplier
sustenance
Energy saving bulb
Wall clock battery
Total
1000
350
500
50
1900
Quarterly reconciliation:
Balance b/f 9.00
Add income 16100.00
16109
Less expenses 16100.00
9.00
Balance c/f 9.00
How initial Kes 50000 was budgeted for:
The following is a budget proposal on how the money was intended to be used. The budget was
prepared by the librarians and presented before Emmanuel and Esther for probable amendments
and approval.
Money that was withdrawn Kes 45000 in late June
Item
Daily Nation newspapers
The Standard newspapers
Taifa Leo newspapers
Internet Bundles
Quantity
Kes 50 by 30 days
Kes 50 by 30 days
Kes 25 by 30 days
One month unlimited bundle
Price
Kes 1500
Kes 1500
Kes 750
Kes 2000
Transport
Post and phone
Stationery
College fees
Repair and installations
For official trips
One month
One month
First module
Roof repair
Table repair
Zuku installation
DVD player purchase
Computer maintenance
Grand total
Kes 3000
Kes 2000
Kes 1000
Kes 17250
Kes 5000
Kes 1500
Kes 4000
Kes 3500
Kes 2000
Kes 45000
NB: The above proposal is ‘SUBJECT TO CHANGE’
Explanation:
1. Newspapers;
We decided to up the number of newspapers to three. In the past, we only provided the Nation
newspaper. We have realised that the two introduced copies are also on our ‘frequently ask for list’
that we thought we should provide them too. Especially with the annual budget, it was possible to
make the inclusion. Further, we are thirsting to fulfil all needs of our readers through such
provisions.
2. Internet;
On this, embarking on the monthly bundle was important and a cheaper way of staying in touch. The
weekly bundles may not be that effective as reloading in needed once every week.
3. Transport:
The transport figure was derived from averages of the months. This vote head is for official transport
only.
4. Post and phone:
This vote head takes care of all the correspondences that the library will undertake within the
month.
5. Stationery:
This is to cater for all office supplements of the library within the month.
6. College fees:
Cornelius and Fred are now taking a part-time library course at Blue Waters in Malindi. From the
understanding, the Akili Trust and the librarians were supposed to share these costs into equal
halves. Cornelius’ module one fee is 16000 and Fred’s is 18500. Cornelius’ half if 8000 while Fred’s is
9250. The Akili total half therefore is 17250.
7. Repairs and installations:
 Roof repair;
A section of the library roof is leaking. We therefore had to set aside this amount of money to cater
for the repair.

Table repair;
One of the tables in the main reading hall is broken and the amount set is to fix it.

Zuku installation;
This service provides channels to a TV via a decoder. Since we already have the TV, we thought it
wise to enquire for the service. It also presents school based programmes that will go a long way to
helping our bursary students.

DVD purchase;
We had to acquire this as well. We will also see how we can get some DVDs on matters education to
present to our students.

Computer maintenance;
Money set aside for this is to generally deal with any maintenance activities in the computer arena.
Prepared at Dabaso Library!